Skye is Scotland’s second most popular destination. The data shows that visitor numbers continue to grow each year and now exceed pre-covid levels. It is alarming that a destination like Skye faces the real possibility of not having a body...
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March 25, 2021
Keeping You Informed – 25th March 2021
Our round up of the latest news and information affecting livelihood and businesses on Skye.
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Launch of Round 4 Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund
We recently received the following communication from Leona Joiner, Tourism Project Co-ordinator, Highland Council
‘I am pleased to announce Round 4 of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund is now open for Expressions of Interest for projects being delivered between 1st November 2021 and 31st March 2023.
All projects must submit an EOI form through myself and this must be approved before a Stage 2 application can be submitted. Expressions of Interest applications can be submitted anytime up to 13th August 2021 However, if they want to apply for the Design Grant of up to £5,000, Expressions of Interest must be submitted to myself prior to or on the morning of Friday 30th April 2021.
The deadline for Stage 2 submissions will be 1st September 2021.
Although the final cut off point for EOIs is 13th August 2021, I would encourage groups to submit all EOIs sooner rather than later to allow sufficient time to develop Stage 2 applications especially as the requirement for evidence of a planning application submission is still required from all applicants by the 1st September regardless of when the EOI is submitted.
I would be most grateful if you would circulate this round the Community Councils so we can get the word out. I will also be sending an email around all members.
Additionally if any groups have approached you directly, please feel free to pass on my contact information.’
Highland Council Seasonal Ranger Positions
‘To compliment and provide a Ranger service within the Highland area, to act as the eyes & ears for various Council services and to work in co-operation with other organisations, landowners and communities. The job will cover sites owned and/or managed by the Council, to promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to contribute to the Visitor Management Plan. The key role is working with visitors & residents providing on hand communication and advice; talking with people in clear, positive, engaging, persuasive and easily understood ways to encourage responsible outdoor access.
Seven posts will be for 6 months and 2 posts will be for 4 months. The locations will be;
Skye x 2, Lochaber x 2, SW Ross & Lochalsh, NW Ross & Assynt , NW Sutherland, Caithness East Sutherland & Ross.
Please Apply Online.’
Restart Grant for Council Tax Paying Small Accommodation Providers
From ASSC;
‘We are delighted to be able to update on the SAP-CTF grant, and can confirm that additional funding for the Small Accommodation Providers paying Council Tax fund is available for eligible self-caterers and B&Bs to receive an SFBF April payment of £1,000 and a Restart Grant of £8,000.
We commend the Scottish Government for this life-line support for small businesses.’
Visitor Management Plan agreed for Highland
‘To meet the growth in visitors to the Highlands of Scotland, The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee has agreed a Visitor Management Plan for 2021 which will be adapted to provide a 5-year plan for the future.
The Council will work with other agencies involved in tourism and visitor management to deliver the plan.’
For More information click here – https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/13487/visitor_management_plan_agreed_for_highland
Visit Scotland Reconnect
‘Several hundred Scottish tourism businesses will have the chance to connect and do business with tour operators and travel agents from around the globe.
Scotland Reconnect 2021, our digital trade workshop event, is now open for registration, for trade-ready Scottish tourism businesses, from Monday 8 March at 11am GMT.
We anticipate around 7,500 business meetings to take place over the three day event, which will take place online during 27 – 29 April 2021.’
More information and sign up here – https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2021/scotland-reconnect-2021-registration?fbclid=IwAR0VsyqQIfJ9LwpFHg7Wv2MSgJiLd3Ui_rt4poJ-u-2R4s3ceVnwbudOK4g
Malcolm Roughead VisitScotland Blog 22nd March
Visit Scotland Chief Executive’s latest blog can be found here –https://www.dropbox.com/s/w5v5q98z34xax4x/Visit%20Scotland%20Malcolm%20Roughead%2022nd%20March.docx?dl=0
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